Bordertown sits right on the cusp, that nebulous point where South Australia bleeds into Victoria. It's the kind of place you might just drive through, but we've learned over the years that those in-between places often hold the most unexpected treasures.

Our morning started with a surprise. While taking a break, just next to our caravan, we spotted an echidna. It was tucked away amidst the scrub and fallen branches, doing its best to disappear.

An echidna nestled amongst the undergrowth just outside of Bordertown.
An echidna nestled amongst the undergrowth just outside of Bordertown.

We watched for a few minutes, admiring its determination. It's always a privilege to see these shy creatures in their natural habitat.

Moving into the town, we decided to explore some of Bordertown's history. First stop was Hawke House.

Hawke House, the childhood home of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
Hawke House, the childhood home of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

It's a modest building, as you might expect, but significant as the childhood home of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. It’s well preserved and maintained by the local council.

We continued our historical tour with a stop at the Bordertown Institute.

The Bordertown Institute, a local gallery.
The Bordertown Institute, a local gallery.

The structure itself is an impressive piece of architecture, solid and imposing. It currently serves as a gallery for local artists.

Before moving on, we decided a caffeine hit was in order. We found a fantastic cafe housed in what we learned was the old Bordertown Police Station.

The old Bordertown Police Station, now a charming cafe.
The old Bordertown Police Station, now a charming cafe.

The atmosphere was great, surrounded by history. The station's facade is still intact, and you can almost hear the echoes of its past. It's a quirky and clever repurposing of a public space, and honestly, the coffee was pretty good too.

Bordertown proved to be more than just a crossover point. It’s a reminder that even the smallest towns have stories to tell, if you're willing to stop and listen.

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